A simple cod and chips now costs an average of £11.41, with a portion of haddock and chips at £10.29, according to industry body Seafish. Despite rising costs for fish, potatoes, oil and energy, the industry remains resilient, with shop owners diversifying menus or cutting options to maintain efficiency.
Around 7,210 fish and chip shops operate across the UK, according to Seafish. Cod, haddock, scampi and fishcakes are the most common seafood products, with haddock dominating in Scotland and parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, while cod remains the top choice elsewhere.
Industry Voices on Resilience
Report author Jennifer Robson from Seafish said: “Our report confirms that fish and chips is very much alive and kicking in the UK – it remains one of the nation’s most iconic and recognisable meals, enjoyed by millions of people every year.” She added that fish and chip shops play a vital role in local economies and connect consumers with a wide range of seafood, including lesser-known species like plaice, skate and pollock.
National Federation of Fish Friers president Andrew Crook said: “This is a very welcome report – its findings help us not only to benchmark the fish and chip sector, but also start to calculate its value to the economy. The findings also highlight the resilience and adaptability of fish and chip businesses.”
Inflation and Food Prices
Food price rises eased this month, with inflation flatlining at 2.8% in May, the same rate as April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This was lower than the 3% expected by economists. ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “After last month’s slowdown, inflation held steady in May as various price movements offset each other. The main upward movement came from transport with airfares, vehicle taxes and petrol prices all pushing up inflation. These were offset by lower food prices, with decreases in inflation seen across a range of meat, dairy and vegetable items.”
